Pasco Firefighters Collecting Memorabilia, Letters for Child Battling Brain Cancer

Want to help put a smile on the face of a child battling brain cancer?

A drive to collect cards, patches and other items from first responders and others for 5-year-old Nathan Norman continues through  Jan. 4.

The drive was organized by Christina Jenks, wife of Pasco County Fire Rescue firefighter/paramedic Eric Jenks. When she heard that the youngster wished for cards, letters and patches from first responders around the country, she put together the effort. She figured she’d collect enough to fill a box to send to Nathan in time for Christmas.

Christina underestimated the response from Pasco firefighters, paramedics and law enforcement officers.

Instead of just accepting items from Pasco fire rescue and police departments, Christina also is collecting cards, T-shirts, patches and presents from other local agencies, including those in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. The Coast Guard and MacDill and Patrick Air Force Bases have also contributed, she said.

“It’s spreading like crazy,” Christina said.

The plan to mail a box of cards and patches to Nathan had to be nixed.

“We already have five boxes.”

Considering the response, Christina and Eric now plan to drive to Virginia to deliver the boxes from Pasco to Nathan in person. They head out Jan. 8 and have extended the local drive through Jan. 4 as a result.

How to Help

Christina Jenks is accepting donations for Nathan locally through Jan. 4. Anyone who wishes to contribute can contact her by email at ERJenks@hotmal.com.

Cards, patches and other memorabilia can also be sent to the Normans directly at:

81 Dunivan Drive, Rustburg, Va., 24588.

The family’s Caring Bridge page also has a spot for donations.

Why are the Jenkses taking this drive so seriously?

“Nathan has become our hero to see how one little boy can bring so many men and women together,” Christina said.

Read more about the effort and Nathan Norman's story here: Pasco Firefighters Grant Sick Boy’s Wish